SUMMARY:
If you are seeking a full-time summer job and enjoy working outdoors with manual labor and traffic control, consider joining the Berrien County Road Department for the summer. This entry-level role offers hands-on experience, helping you build practical skills, time management, and punctuality while taking pride in visible, meaningful work. All candidates will complete a phone interview; in-person interviews may be required at management’s discretion.
Position Availability: Summer 2026 Construction Season
Position Duration: 8 – 12 weeks
DUTIES:
- Performs traffic control duties, including setting up cones, barricades, and signage, and directing traffic in stationary and mobile work zones.
- Loads and unloads materials, equipment, and supplies.
- Maintains drainage systems by clearing culverts, ditches, and structures, and manages vegetation using hand and power tools.
- Cuts and removes brush and debris, operates equipment such as trimmers, chainsaws, and chippers, and assists with site cleanup, including illegal dump areas.
- Installs pavement markers and thermoplastic markings.
- Assists with asphalt repair, patching, cleaning, and subgrade preparation, and supports installation of drain tile and culvert pipe.
- Contributes to sealcoating and general construction projects, including catch basins and retaining walls.
- Performs routine maintenance and cleaning of tools and equipment, completes service requests, and maintains accurate written and electronic records.
- Operates pick up or light-duty diesel trucks as needed.
- This description is intended to illustrate the type and level of work being performed by persons assigned to this job. It may not be a comprehensive list of all duties and responsibilities required by a person so classified.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
- High school diploma or equivalent and a combination of training or experience that provides the knowledge and abilities to perform job duties successfully.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license and satisfactory driving record.
- Subject to random drug and alcohol testing.
- Employment offers are contingent on a background check and successful completion of a physical and drug/alcohol screening.
- Will be required to pass work related tests.
- Duties will require routine manual labor with frequent bending, twisting, stooping, lifting, carrying, pushing/pulling, walking, and standing.
- Requires physical exertion, including lifting 50+ pounds and operating vibrating tools such as compactors and chainsaws.
- Duties will involve working outdoors in all weather conditions, often in ditches, slopes, trenches, excavations, and on uneven or slippery terrain.
- Exposure to hazards near traffic and heavy equipment is expected.
- May be required to work evenings, nights, weekends, or holidays, including mandatory overtime and emergency response.
- Must be flexible to change work locations with little notice.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:
- Basic knowledge of road construction materials, equipment, maintenance practices, and safety procedures.
- Ability to follow verbal and written instructions, read grade stakes, and perform basic math.
- Communicates professionally with the public and coworkers, builds effective working relationships, and works both independently and as part of a team.
- Remains composed under pressure and adapts to changing assignments and policies.
- Willing to learn job-related skills, including safety regulations, county procedures, and basic first aid/CPR.
TO APPLY ONLINE, CLICK HERE:
TO APPLY VIA EMAIL, FAX, MAIL OR IN PERSON:
If you prefer not to apply online, you may download a Berrien County Job Application and send it to our Personnel Department via email, fax, mail or in person. A Berrien County job application must be submitted in order to be considered for employment.
Submit by Email
Fax: (269) 983-5788
Address: Berrien County Administration Building, Personnel Department, 701 Main St., St. Joseph, MI 49085
